Sony Bravia XR 55" X90L 4K HDR Full Array Led Smart TV XR55X90L (2023 Model)

Glad to see Sony using as much recyclable cardboard in the packaging of their large screen TVs. Easy to unpack and my 55” version easy enough to remove and set up by myself. The two diamond shaped feet can be clicked in to place either far apart towards the edges of the screen or towards the centre if you have a narrower stand. I used the former. The sitting height of the TV on the feet can also be altered, (higher setting) so you can leave enough space beneath the screen to place a sound bar below the screen without it being obscured. You can of course, also wall mount the screen.You notice the lovely virtually zero bezel screen with a brushed dark aluminium frame and the now standard Sony chequerboard patterned back. You also notice the Matt finish ... MoreGlad to see Sony using as much recyclable cardboard in the packaging of their large screen TVs. Easy to unpack and my 55” version easy enough to remove and set up by myself. The two diamond shaped feet can be clicked in to place either far apart towards the edges of the screen or towards the centre if you have a narrower stand. I used the former. The sitting height of the TV on the feet can also be altered, (higher setting) so you can leave enough space beneath the screen to place a sound bar below the screen without it being obscured. You can of course, also wall mount the screen.You notice the lovely virtually zero bezel screen with a brushed dark aluminium frame and the now standard Sony chequerboard patterned back. You also notice the Matt finish anti-glare/anti-reflective screen covering.The TV measured 122.2cm wide and 74cm tall on its feet. This full array LED TV I believe has around 80 separate dimmable zones, and contains the latest “Cognitive Processor XR” to give an excellent quality picture.Initial set up was simple but the TV did not connect to my WiFi network initially but this was because the WiFi was set to “Off” by default on my model. Once turned On, it connected within seconds. App set up (YouTube,iPlayer,Amazon Prime) took around 30 minutes ( software updates etc).This model comes with 2 remotes. Both fairly standard feeling in the hand. One more comprehensive type and a smaller nicely weighted everyday remote with direct access buttons for streaming services such asNetflix, Prime, Disney+ and “Bravia Core”- more on that later!Initial disappointments when watching TV: Although the sound is “good” for a rather slimline 55” TV, it lacks any real base. Not a problem for me as I was able to plug the TV in to my 5.1 speaker surround set up, and then it was excellent as expected. Only 2 out of the 4 provided HDMI inputs are the full “2.1” type which is still a bit of a disappointment in 2023. And bizarrely this 55” model has the worst efficiency in the range, coming in at Grade G. Bizarrely the 65” is Grade F and the 78”-98” versions Grade E. Not a biggie in the grand scheme of things in terms of running costs but still a surprise.Now for the Good Bits: Gaming is available at 4K/120fps with VVR available and a low latency mode for instant response and no lag. The “XR Surround” mode gives 3D like effects from the built in speakers.4K footage is the best I have seen on a TV so far. Not just the clarity and smooth motion but the phenomenal HDR, so specular highlights are not blown out and blacks/overall contrast are excellent. “The Matrix” in 4K has never looked better! This is what it’s all about! Linked with a decent surround sound system it becomes totally immersive. The menus and remote response are snappy with barely any lag so it has a good processor on board.Terrestrial TV is also excellent. Watching Wimbledon tennis with fantastic sharpness, colour and sound is a pleasure.“Bravia Core”: This is included with my particular X90L model. This is Sony’s own high quality streaming service and provides lossless 4K streaming at around 80Mb/sec. This is a far higher bitrate than Netflix etc that tend to be around 20Mb/sec. My full fibre broadband connection supports this higher stream speed easily. It is meant to be as good a picture and sound as on a physical 4K disc. The package includes many of Sony’s back catalogue of films and even newer “IMAX Enhanced”/Dolby Atmos encoded films. You sign up for free and get 24 months unlimited access for these movies but some of the newer Sony films you need to use a “credit”. But I have been provided with 10 free credits to use- 1 per film, also for the duration of the 24 month membership. Sony have not yet announced how much it will cost at the end of the 24 month period as it has only just been released. Or if I can renew my credits and at what cost, there is no information as yet.I decided to watch Brad Pitt’s “Bullet Train” movie using one of the credits and I have to say I was slightly blown away with the picture and sound quality. It really is high quality 4K like streaming. This package was the final cherry on top of the cake. I am looking forward to many more hours of TV and movie watching on this TV.

The un-boxing is relatively easy. However, I was disappointed in the use of a considerable amount of polystyrene. The tv must be placed face down if you are inserting legs. In our case we are using a stand, so the legs are required. They are adjustable in height for the use of a Sound Bar. This is very easy, remove the screws from the clips, adjust to the required height, return the screws and then insert into the base of the tv. The legs can be utilised in a narrow or wide setting. This is an improvement on my previous tv as the wide setting was the only option available in the UK. Regarding the legs, their appearance is very utilitarian. There is very little aesthetically pleasing about them.Fortunately, the positioning of the HDMI sockets and LAN cable socket ... MoreThe un-boxing is relatively easy. However, I was disappointed in the use of a considerable amount of polystyrene. The tv must be placed face down if you are inserting legs. In our case we are using a stand, so the legs are required. They are adjustable in height for the use of a Sound Bar. This is very easy, remove the screws from the clips, adjust to the required height, return the screws and then insert into the base of the tv. The legs can be utilised in a narrow or wide setting. This is an improvement on my previous tv as the wide setting was the only option available in the UK. Regarding the legs, their appearance is very utilitarian. There is very little aesthetically pleasing about them.Fortunately, the positioning of the HDMI sockets and LAN cable socket are in the same position as on my old tv making things easy. The mains aperture is on the opposite side. Unfortunately, Sony have not supplied ‘Cable Tidies’ for the legs for this model, unlike my old one. This is disappointing as they were very useful and made everything that little bit neater.Setting up the tv is a case of switching it on and following the on-screen instructions. It is a very simple process; Google is the go-to for setting up the tv. If you have a Google Account, you log in and it even registers the tv for you. We use a Sky Q box, and the pairing was seamless.It is easy to tweak the settings for your optimal sound and vision experience. I found the best setting for the picture was Vivid and the Power Saving option switched off. This gives a vibrant crystal-clear picture. I found that any power saving option made the picture too dim. Once you have completed this sit back and enjoy. The upscaling is very good and even enhances those tv programmes from the 1970’s.For my initial assessment for UHD picture quality I watched the Cricket (Ashes) and then comparing that to Top Gun Maverick (Both in UHD) the picture quality was truly excellent. A distinct improvement from my old tv. The sound is an improvement too and is more immersive than my old tv.Gaming wise I only have a PS4 console, this was easy to connect and pair to the tv. The image quality is greatly enhanced thereby improving the experience.Apart from a couple of very small moans (Use of polystyrene and lack of Cable Tidies for the legs and the design of the legs) this Sony Bravia X90L XR is a huge improvement. The option of wide or narrow leg placement makes it more versatile. The improvements in picture quality are simply massive. Couple this with the improvement in sound quality you have a great tv and one that I highly recommend.

I have purchased the 55 inch model which is absolutely stunning it has replaced my previous 3 year old tv and new technology never stops improving the picture and sound quality. Although I use a soundbar I have used the tv speakers and the voice is coming from the centre of the television with background sounds coming from around the unit, using the sound settings will further enhance your listening, to adapt it to what you’re watching whether it’s sport, music and movies. With the sound bar it enhances the sound even more with the added bass and Bravia sync turns it into a true cinema sound. The factory settings seem to be absolutely spot on but with the vivid setting it just explodes the colours and contrast. The new television has been set up in a medium size ... MoreI have purchased the 55 inch model which is absolutely stunning it has replaced my previous 3 year old tv and new technology never stops improving the picture and sound quality. Although I use a soundbar I have used the tv speakers and the voice is coming from the centre of the television with background sounds coming from around the unit, using the sound settings will further enhance your listening, to adapt it to what you’re watching whether it’s sport, music and movies. With the sound bar it enhances the sound even more with the added bass and Bravia sync turns it into a true cinema sound. The factory settings seem to be absolutely spot on but with the vivid setting it just explodes the colours and contrast. The new television has been set up in a medium size living room but even close up the picture quality is excellent. There is a duo of remote controls which can make things a bit fiddly but one remote includes 6 streaming apps including Bravia core that has UHD quality films. This is all made easier with the excellent WiFi connection that is constantly good and never seems to drop out. Within in a few minutes of turning on the television I was astonished by how little time it took to have everything just the way I wanted it. Upscaling is just fantastic no more blurry old films and tv series they are becoming more like HD viewing you would think the showing was made yesterday. Touching the Home button takes you into a different world of games, movies, music, whatever your genre. I have to give this 5/5 because of the ease, the all round qualities and capabilities.